Storage-tank and acid-tank design in Namibia
Tank design requires more than selecting a shell thickness. Stored product, corrosion, operating conditions, supports, fabrication and inspection all influence the engineering basis. My project experience includes API 650 storage tanks and acid tanks in Namibia.
Section 01Nine storage tanks in Walvis Bay
The documented 2023 scope covered nine tanks for heavy fuel oil, sludge and water, using an API 650 design basis. Work included design, fabrication drawings, welding procedures and supervision.
Components included bottom plates, annular plates, shell courses, wind girders, roof trusses and nozzles. Foundation interfaces and inspection requirements must be coordinated with the disciplines responsible for the site and construction.
Section 02Acid-tank design experience
My experience includes Bannerman acid tanks and sulphuric-acid tank design in Namibia. The documented sulphuric-acid scope included fabrication drawings, corrosion allowances and consideration of NACE and API 650 guidance.
An acid tank is not simply an oil tank carrying a different liquid. Concentration, temperature, contamination and material compatibility need a project-specific assessment. Applicable standards and specialist corrosion input are confirmed before design recommendations are finalised.
Section 03Define the design basis first
A tank enquiry should establish product properties, volume, dimensions, design life, pressure and temperature limits, filling and withdrawal rates, environmental loads, corrosion strategy and site foundation information. Venting, containment and maintenance access require coordination beyond the tank shell itself.
Section 04New design versus existing-tank repair
A new tank and an existing corroded tank are different engineering problems. Original design information does not establish the remaining capacity of an in-service asset. Inspection history, measured condition and the applicable repair or assessment standard must be reviewed before a repair scope is proposed.